The issue of judicial delays and pendency of cases has been a longstanding challenge for the Indian judiciary. Over the years, various measures have been implemented to address these issues, focusing on court modernization, case management, and promoting alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms. Here’s an assessment of these measures and a comparison with approaches in other major democracies:

Measures Taken by the Indian Judiciary:
Court Modernization:

Technology Integration: The eCourts Mission Mode Project aims to computerize courts and connect them through a network, facilitating online case filing, e-summons, e-payments, and case tracking.
ICT Infrastructure: Establishment of computerized case management systems, video conferencing facilities for hearings, and digitization of records to streamline judicial processes.
Case Management:

Fast-Track Courts: Creation of specialized courts like Fast-Track Courts (FTCs) for specific categories of cases (e.g., cases involving women, children, and senior citizens) to expedite trials.
Case Flow Management: Implementation of case management techniques to track and manage the progress of cases from filing to disposal, ensuring timely hearings and judgments.
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR):

Mediation and Conciliation: Encouragement of mediation and conciliation as ADR mechanisms to resolve disputes outside traditional court proceedings, easing the burden on the regular judiciary.
Legal Services Authorities: Promotion of Lok Adalats (people’s courts) and Legal Services Authorities to provide free legal aid and facilitate out-of-court settlements.
Comparison with Approaches in Other Major Democracies:
United States:

Technology Integration: US courts have implemented electronic filing systems (PACER) and case management systems to enhance efficiency in handling cases.
Specialized Courts: Similar to India, the US has specialized courts like Drug Courts and Family Courts to address specific categories of cases more effectively.
ADR: ADR mechanisms like mediation and arbitration are widely used in the US legal system to resolve disputes outside traditional litigation.
United Kingdom:

Modernization: UK courts have embraced digital case management systems (CJSM) and online platforms for case filings and document management.
Specialist Courts: Establishment of specialist commercial courts and family courts to handle cases efficiently in their respective areas.
ADR: ADR mechanisms such as mediation and arbitration are encouraged and supported through institutions like the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR).
Australia:

Technology and Efficiency: Australian courts utilize electronic filing systems (eCourt) and case management tools to improve efficiency and reduce delays.
Specialist Tribunals: Establishment of specialized tribunals for areas like migration, administrative law, and consumer disputes to ensure specialized expertise and quicker resolution.
ADR: ADR mechanisms like mediation and conciliation are integrated into the legal system, supported by institutions like the Australian Dispute Resolution Advisory Council.
Effectiveness of Indian Judiciary’s Efforts:
Positive Impact: The implementation of technology-driven reforms has led to improved transparency, reduced paperwork, and faster dissemination of judicial information.
Challenges: Despite these efforts, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, staff training, and resistance to change within the judiciary have slowed progress in some areas.
Continued Emphasis: The judiciary continues to prioritize modernization, case management, and ADR to enhance access to justice and reduce backlog effectively.
Conclusion:
The Indian judiciary’s measures to address judicial delays and case pendency through court modernization, case management, and promotion of ADR mechanisms have shown promising results but also face ongoing challenges. By comparing these efforts with approaches in other major democracies, India can draw lessons on best practices to further enhance judicial efficiency, ensure timely justice delivery, and strengthen the rule of law in the country. Continued investment in technology, capacity building, and administrative reforms will be crucial in achieving these goals effectively.